Achalasia – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Achalasia is a rare swallowing disorder that affects the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. This condition occurs when nerve damage prevents the esophageal muscles from properly pushing food and liquids down into the stomach.
People with achalasia often experience food collecting in their esophagus. This trapped food may ferment and flow back up into the mouth, creating a bitter taste.
Many mistake these symptoms for GERD, but there’s an important difference: in achalasia, the returning food comes from the esophagus, while in GERD, it comes from the stomach.
Though achalasia has no cure and muscle damage is permanent, several treatment options can help manage symptoms effectively:
- Endoscopic procedures
- Minimally invasive therapies
- Surgical interventions
These treatments aim to improve the passage of food from the esophagus into the stomach, helping patients maintain better nutrition and comfort despite the condition.
Signs and Problems
People with achalasia often have trouble swallowing food or drinks. This feeling, called dysphagia, may seem like food is stuck in your throat.
As time passes, these signs get worse.
Other common problems include:
- Food or saliva flowing back up into the throat
- A burning feeling in the chest similar to heartburn
- Frequent belching
- Chest pain that comes and goes
- Nighttime coughing
- Weight loss over time
- Vomiting
Serious complications may develop if food gets into the lungs, which can lead to pneumonia. This happens because the food doesn’t move properly through the esophagus.
Most people notice these signs slowly over time rather than all at once. The problems often start mild but become more bothersome as the condition progresses.
If you experience trouble swallowing that doesn’t go away or notice weight loss without trying, it’s important to see a doctor. Early treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Causes
Scientists don’t fully understand what causes achalasia. The condition likely happens when nerve cells in the esophagus die off. This nerve damage prevents normal muscle movement when swallowing.
Several theories exist about why these nerve cells disappear:
- Viral infections that trigger damage to the esophagus
- The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own esophageal nerves
- Genetic factors (in rare cases)
- Certain infections (rarely)
The nerve damage leads to both a tight lower esophageal sphincter and poor muscle coordination when swallowing.
Risk Factors
Several factors may increase your chance of developing achalasia:
- Age Range: It is most common in people between 25 and 60 years old, though it can affect anyone.
- Health Conditions: People with these conditions face a higher risk, including allergic disorders, adrenal insufficiency, and Allgrove syndrome (a rare genetic condition passed down through families).
